Method 5 for the processing of animal by-products includes specific procedures for their treatment to ensure their safe handling and use in compliance with EU regulations.

Method 5 for the processing of animal by-products (ABPs) involves specific procedures for their treatment to ensure safe management and use. This method focuses on processing ABPs in a way that minimizes health risks to humans and animals while strictly complying with safety standards.

Method 5 technical details

  1. Particle size reduction: ABPs must be processed into particles no larger than 20 millimeters using suitable equipment. The effectiveness of the equipment must be inspected daily and the condition recorded. If larger particles are found, the process must be stopped and the equipment repaired before processing can resume.

  2. Heat treatment and pressing: After particle size reduction, ABPs must be heated until they coagulate. The material is subsequently pressed to remove fat and water from the protein material. It must then be further heated to specific temperatures:

    • Greater than 80 °C for at least 120 minutes

    • Greater than 100 °C for at least 60 minutes

  3. Processing systems: Processing can take place in batch or continuous systems, providing operational flexibility.

  4. Regulatory compliance: Compliance with these processing standards ensures that the processed ABPs are safe for subsequent use, for example for the production of energy, fertilizers or other technical applications.